HEAT

STROKE
The most serious heat-
related illness
Heat stroke
• What is Heat stroke

• How this can happen

• How to prevent
 What is Heat stroke?
Heatstroke is a condition caused by your body
overheating, usually as a result of prolonged
exposure to or physical exertion in high
temperatures. This most serious form of heat
injury, heatstroke, can occur if your body
temperature rises to 104 F (40 C) or higher. The
condition is most common in the summer months
How this can happen
It occurs when the body becomes unable to
control its temperature: the body’s
temperature rises rapidly, the sweating
mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool
down.
What are the warning
signs of Heat stroke
An extremely high body temperature
(above 103°F)
Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
Rapid, strong pulse
Throbbing headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Confusion
Unconsciousness
 What should I do if I see
someone with any of the warning
signs of heat stroke?

If you see any of these signs, you may

be dealing with a life-threatening
emergency. Have someone call for
immediate medical assistance while you
begin cooling the victim. Do the
following:
•• Get the victim to a shady area.
Cool the victim rapidly, using whatever methods you can. For
example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the
person in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water
from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or
if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet

•
and fan him or her vigorously.
Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until

•
the body temperature drops to 101-102°F.
If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital

••
emergency room for further instructions.
Do not give the victim alcohol to drink.
Get medical assistance as soon as
possible.
TIPS ON HOW TO PREVENT HEAT STROKE:
Wear Appropriate Clothing: Choose lightweight,
loose-fitting clothing.

Stay Cool Indoors: Stay in an air-conditioned place

as much as possible. If your home does not have
air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public
library—even a few hours spent in air conditioning
can help your body stay cooler when you go back
into the heat. Call your local health department to
see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your
area.
 Keep in mind: Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the
temperature is in the high 90s, they will not prevent heat-related illness.
Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a
much better way to cool off. Use your stove and oven less to maintain a
cooler temperature in your home.

Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully: Try to limit your outdoor

activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours. Rest
often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to recover.

Pace Yourself: Cut down on exercise during the heat. If you’re not
accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly
and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your
heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get
into a cool area or into the shade, and rest, especially if you become
lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint.
 Y HYDR
Drink Plenty of Fluids: Drink more fluids, regardless
of how active you are. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty A

ST

AT
to drink.

ED
Monitor Those at High Risk: Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-
related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:

Infants and young children

People 65 years of age or older
People who are overweight
People who overexert during work or exercise
People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood
pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or
poor circulation
 THANK YOU!
GODBLESS!!
STAY HYDRATED